EA Restructures BioWare, Focusing Solely on Next Mass Effect Game
Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a restructuring of BioWare, the studio behind the Dragon Age and Mass Effect franchises. This restructuring involves reassigning several developers to other EA projects and concentrating all remaining resources on the upcoming Mass Effect game.
In a blog post, BioWare general manager Gary McKay explained the studio is using the period between major development cycles to "reimagine how we work." He stated that the current Mass Effect development phase doesn't require the entire studio's workforce. McKay confirmed that many BioWare employees have been successfully transitioned to other suitable roles within EA.
While EA hasn't disclosed specific numbers, IGN understands that some Dragon Age team members have been let go, with the option to apply for other internal positions. This follows previous layoffs in 2023 and several high-profile departures, including director Corinne Busche's recent announcement.
EA's statement emphasizes that the studio's priority shifted from Dragon Age to Mass Effect following the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard. They assert that the current team size is sufficient for the Mass Effect project's current developmental stage.
The new Mass Effect game, announced four years ago, remains in its early stages. BioWare's revised strategy prioritizes focusing on one title at a time. This involved temporarily transferring some Mass Effect developers to the Dragon Age team to complete The Veilguard, with their subsequent return to the Mass Effect project. Veteran developers Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, and Parrish Ley are now leading Mass Effect development.
This restructuring follows EA's recent announcement that Dragon Age: The Veilguard significantly missed player acquisition targets (by almost 50%) and a subsequent reduction in fiscal year guidance. EA's Q3 earnings call is scheduled for February 4th.
